Andalucia Road Trip: BEST 10-Day Southern Spain Itinerary!

An Andalucia Road Trip is one of the best that you can do in Spain. The region is one of the best places to go backpacking in Spain and has lots of great places to visit.

Southern Spain is my favourite part of the country and there are so many great places to visit in Andalucia such as Córdoba, Granada, Ronda and Sevilla which are fantastic destinations.

You could easily spend a week and potentially 10 days exploring as there is so much to see and do here. Getting around by car isn’t too difficult either, due to the great road network in Spain.

An Andalusian road trip is something you should definitely do while you’re in Spain. The region is full of history, great food and welcoming people.

This 10-day Southern Spain itinerary will tell you all you need to know about travelling around this beautiful part of the country.

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Andalucia Road Trip

General info

Andalucia is the second-largest autonomous community in Spain, at a size of 87,268 km2(33,694 sq mi). Spain is a big country, but travelling around Andalucia will still take some time.

As well as there are a lot of places to see, so you will be spending some time in Andalucia. The other option is to drive through the region and see only the most important spots, but that would be a waste.

My advice would be to take around 10 days to do this Andalucia road trip itinerary. This way you will be able to see all of the good spots in Southern Spain and not be rushed for time.

Before setting off

Before you do any road trip in Spain, it is important to have everything sorted out. The main thing you will need to sort out is a vehicle. Most people will use a car rental when they get off the plane at the airport.

The other option is to drive your own vehicle to Andalucia if you’re already on the continent. Either way, there is no road trip without a vehicle. The other thing you have to consider is whether to do the road trip in a car or a campervan.

If there are more than four of you, a campervan may make sense. It will be very crowded in a car otherwise. However, if there are fewer than four of you, a car will be fine.

There are a lot of places to stay in Andalucia that won’t break the bank. The benefits of staying in a campervan decrease when there aren’t so many people on the trip.

Important info

Driving in Spain can be a challenge at times due to the distances involved. Driving in Andalucia isn’t too bad in regards to distances, but there can still be some long drives depending on where you are heading.

One of the most important things to remember is that you drive on the right-hand side of the road in Spain. If you’re from a country that drives on the left like me, it’s an important fact to remember.

If you feel tired while driving, take a break. Driving in Spain can involve long distances. Obviously, you want to get to wherever you’re going quickly, but this should come at the expense of safety.

Try and stop every 3 hours or so, if it’s a long drive. If you structure your trip to see the various sights in Andalucia, you will be stopping a few times along the way anyway!

I recommend checking out my road trip packing list and Spain packing list before you go so you have all the sites you need on this Andalucia travel itinerary. With the summer heat in Southern Spain being strong, you’ll need certain items to protect you from it!

Before doing any road trip, ensure that you have proper travel insurance! I use SafetyWing to keep me safe on the road, it’s designed for backpackers and adventurous travellers.

You never know what can happen on the road. Keep yourself protected against all eventualities! Click here to get a quote!

Why You Should Do an Andalusia Road Trip

Andalucia is one of, if not the, most interesting part of Spain. There is so much to see and do in Southern Spain, you won’t be short of things to do on this epic European road trip!

There are plenty of historic cities to check out such as Córdoba, Granada and Seville. Southern Spain was the home of the Moors until they were chased out of the country in the 15h century.

There are so many beautiful buildings old and new to see, such as La Mezquita, La Alhambra and the esplanade in Malaga! No matter which city or town you visit, there are always some beautiful sights to see.

Another good thing about the road trip is that there is a lot to see between the major cities. You can stop at the numerous beaches along the Costa del Sol. You can check out the numerous Pueblos Blancos (white villages), such as Mijas and Zahara de la Sierra, in the countryside and go hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains too.

As Andalucia is the southernmost part of Spain, the weather is great for the majority of the year. There is an argument to be made that the best time to visit Spain and, Andalucia, in particular, is outside of the summer months due to the intense heat during those months.

Even if you were to visit in winter, the temperatures would not be what you would normally expect for Europe. This makes a road trip in Andalucia a great idea for a winter break in Europe.

The main reason to do this Southern Spain road trip itinerary is that you will visit some incredible places, with great food and people. You will almost be guaranteed brilliant weather year-round, which makes it a no-brainer to do the trip!

Where to Stay in Andalucia

No matter where you are travelling in Andalucia you will not be short of places to stay. Tourism is a big part of the economy in the region and you will always be able to find somewhere to stay even in the countryside!

If you’re doing the road trip in a campervan, then you don’t need to worry about this section. Otherwise, my suggestion would be to stay in hostels as much as possible.

Hostels are cheaper than hotels and they offer you the ability to cook your food in the kitchen, which is a great way to keep costs down.

You won’t have any difficulty finding hostels in big cities such as Malaga and Sevilla and on the Costa del Sol, as they are popular destinations. However, the more you head out into rural Andalucia, the harder it becomes to find hostels, but there are still some about.

Another option is to consider staying in Airbnb or renting an apartment, which can work out well in regards to cost too!

Below are a few of my recommendations for places to stay during your road trip in Andalucia.

Accommodation	Location	Description	Book
Casa Caracol	Cadiz	Great hostel that offers free breakfast and has. rooftop terrace.	Book Now
Backpackers Al-Katre	Córdoba	A social hostel that’s not far from the famous mosque.	Book Now
ECO Hostel	Granada	Hostel in the heart of the city that’s perfect for digital nomads as it has a co-working space.	Book Now
Feel Hostels Soho	Malaga	Cool hostel in the trendy Soho neighbourhood that has a rooftop terrace.	Book Now
Black Swan Hostel	Seville	Hostel with a great vibe which makes it perfect for socialising and a big kitchen.	Book Now

Places to Visit on an Andalucia Road Trip

The best thing about going on a road trip around Andalucia is that you aren’t short of places to visit.

Andalucia is one of the best places in Spain from a historical perspective and the scenery is fantastic too. You need at least one week and ideally, two or three weeks to travel around the region.

Below are a few places to visit in Andalucia that you can’t leave off your road trip!

Córdoba

Córdoba is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Andalucia. It’s an ancient city with many beautiful buildings such as La Mezquita, the Mosque Cathedral, one of the most impressive buildings in Spain.

As well as La Mezquita, you can visit the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, a lovely garden in the city. Plus, you can check out the Roman bridge of Córdoba as well.

There’s a lot of history in Córdoba, which was the home of the famous Roman philosopher Seneca. One thing to bear in mind is that it can get very hot in Córdoba.

If you’re planning on visiting during the summer, prepare for temperatures above 35 and 40 degrees!

Granada

The main reason to visit Granada is to check out La Alhambra. It is a palace and fortress complex located on a hill above the city. It was constructed in 889 AD on the remains of Roman ruins.

La Alhambra is the most popular tourist attraction in Spain. If you want to visit and go inside the grounds you will need to book tickets in advance, as tickets sell out fast.

As well as La Alhambra, Granada is home to many more interesting places such as the Nasrid Palaces and La Catedral de Granada that you can see in 3 days in Granada, or a shorter time period if you’re on a tight schedule.

One of the best things about Granada is that whenever you go to a bar, you get free tapas! This is a great excuse to check out the local bars and cuisine as everyone loves a freebie. Plus, the food is incredible too!

Malaga

Malaga is the best place to start your road trip due to the airport being one of the best connected in Europe. If you’re flying into Andalucia, this is where you should fly into!

Malaga is famous for its beach, which is great and somewhere you have to check out. However, there are a lot of other great spots in Malaga too.

There is the Roman theatre in the middle of the city, Castillo de Gibralfaro, which offers fantastic views of the city from high above. You can also visit the Picasso Museum and learn more about the great artist in the city of his birth.

Malaga is a great city and one you should explore before setting off on your road trip!

Read more: 3 days in Malaga

Ronda

Ronda is one of the most picturesque towns in the whole of Spain. This is mainly due to the stunning Puente Nuevo, which straddles a gorge in the historic town.

Despite Puente Nuevo translating to New Bridge, the bridge is not exactly new, as it was completed in 1793!

The bridge is the main selling point of a visit to Ronda due to its impressive size and scale. It would be worth the trip alone just to see it!

As well as the bridge there are plenty of historical sites to see and the opportunity to do some hiking too around Cueva del Gato!

Ronda is one of the most beautiful places you can visit on this road trip. Be sure to check it out!

Seville

Seville is one of my favourite cities in Spain. There is so much to see and do here that you could spend up to 3 days in Seville or more, exploring everything. Add in the fact that the locals are brilliant people too and you have a fantastic destination.

I can’t mention Seville without talking about Plaza de España. It is one of the most impressive buildings I have ever seen and is somewhere you have to visit while you’re in the city.

You also have to check out the Royal Alcázar of Seville and the cathedral while you’re in the city too, as both are incredible buildings. 

Seville is a scorching place to visit from April onwards, so be sure to pack some suncream and a hat when you’re out exploring the city as you will quickly feel the heat otherwise!

Things to do on an Andalucia Road Trip

One of the good things about doing an Andalucia road trip is that you are never short of things to do. From beautiful beaches to spectacular mountains and hiking opportunities, Andalucia is a perfect place to visit if you love the outdoors.

You won’t be short of things to do in Andalucia during your time there. The region suits all types of travellers. Beach bums have the choice of numerous beaches on the Costa del Sol, while if you’re into hiking, there are numerous trails and mountains for you to hike.

Below are three things I highly recommend you do while you’re driving around Andalucia.

Beaches

As the home of the Costa del Sol, there are plenty of great beaches in Andalucia. From Malaga to Nerja, you have a wide range of choices when it comes to lounging by the Mediterranean Sea.

Some of the lesser-known beaches are located towards the east of Andalucia, such as El Cabo de Gata in Almeria. You don’t have to stick to the more well-known beaches in Marbella or the Costa del Sol.

If you want to spend time relaxing from a hard day’s driving, then there are plenty to choose from in Andalucia!

El Caminito del Rey

If you like hiking, a visit to El Caminito del Rey is something you should do while you’re in Andalucia. It is a beautiful hike along a narrow gorge in El Chorro, and is one of the best day trips from Malaga.

It was considered to be the most dangerous hike in the world at one point. Before its reopening in 2015, the walkway had fallen into disrepair and there was nothing protecting people from falling into the gorge below.

You have to check out Calleja de las Flores too, which is a famous street lined with flowers. It’s beautiful and in the old town, which is within walking distance of the city centre.

Thankfully, the walkway is a lot safer nowadays and is one of the most popular places to visit in Andalucia. The hike takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete at a length of 7.7km.

Getting to El Caminito del Rey is easy by car. once you’re there you can either do the hike as part of a tour or on your own. A tour will let you know more about the area, but it will take longer than if you did it by yourself.

Hike Mulhacén

At 3,479m, Mulhacén is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. It’s located near Granada in the Sierra Nevada mountains and if you love hiking and the outdoors it is an ideal mountain to climb.

You can climb the mountain year-round, but it will be very cold during winter and even at the top during summer, it will be cold. Make sure you pack the appropriate as it is a serious ascent!

If you plan on hiking Mulhacén in one day, it will take a long time. Even if you set off early in the morning it will still take more or less the whole day. There is the option of doing the hike over two days and staying at a refuge partway up the hike instead.

If you love the outdoors and hiking in particular, then tackling Spain’s highest point is something you should consider while you’re on this wonderful trip!

Example Andalucia Itinerary

This is just an example itinerary and should not be considered the only route in Southern Spain you should do. If you want to change it up or skip a few places then that’s fine. This route is just to give you an idea of where you can go and what you can do along the way.

That said, I do think this Southern Spain itinerary makes sense to do because it offers a logical start and endpoint in Malaga.

This 10-day Andalucia road trip itinerary allows you to do a loop and see the best the region has to offer!

Day 1 Malaga to Almeria

Starting in Malaga, it may be a good idea to take some time to look around its gorgeous city before you set off. There are a lot of things to do in Malaga and it would be a shame to fly into the city and leave straight away.

However, with Malaga as the endpoint of the trip, you could always take some time at the end of the trip to see the city.

The drive to Almeria isn’t too strenuous at just over 2 hours. There are a few opportunities to stop along the way so you can break the drive up a bit.

One place you can stop is Nerja, which is a resort town along the coast. If it’s a nice day it’s a great place to stop and relax at the beach for an hour before you arrive in Malaga. Likewise, you could also do this at Roquetas de Mar if you wish.

Once you get to Almeria there are plenty of things you can do. You can visit La Alcazaba, the cathedral and check out the bunkers that were used during the Spanish Civil War.

If you want to see more of the city, it may be a good idea to set off early, so you have more time there. Almeria is an interesting city, and it would be a shame not to see as much as you can!

Day 2 Almeria to Granada

From Almeria, the next step is to drive to Granada. It isn’t the longest drive on this Southern Spain itinerary, with it taking under two hours to get to the city.

The drive will take you around the Sierra Nevada National Park, which is a beautiful part of Spain. If you want to go hiking or spend the day here, I highly recommend it.

I stayed in Quentar, a small town in the park for a few days and loved it. There are many great hikes you can do, as well as head to Mulhacén, the highest point on mainland Spain.

Whether you decide to do this or not is up to you, but if you do, the drive to Granada isn’t far from here.

As there is a lot to see in Granada, my itinerary includes a whole day in the city. Of course, you can choose to skip this if you wish.

It’s up to you, but I recommend spending an extra day there so you can see all the city has to offer!

Day 3 Granada 

Granada is one of the most popular places to visit in Spain. it would be a massive shame to visit the city and only spend part of the day there, due to how much there is to see!

As I mentioned before, the main attraction in Granada is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Alhambra. It is the old Moor fortress which sits on a hilltop above the city.

It’s an incredible sight and well worth visiting. Book your tickets in advance, because they sell out quickly and you might not be able to buy tickets in person.

As well as La Alhambra you can visit the Nasrid Palaces and the Cathedral. While there is also the Basilica of San Juan de Dios and the Hammam Al Ándalus to check out too!

One thing you can’t leave Granada without doing is visiting the various local bars and restaurants. At most tapas bars, you get free tapas if you buy a drink.

This is a great way to save money if you’re on a budget, and it also allows you to try the incredible local cuisine too!

Day 4 Granada to Córdoba

The drive from Granada to Córdoba is a nice one and offers a few potential routes. You can either go through Jaén and spend part of the day there, or you can take the A-92 towards Antequera and then the A-45 north towards Córdoba.

My recommendation would be to take the latter option as it allows more time to see Córdoba, which is a beautiful and interesting city. Like Granada, it was home to the Moors and they have left a few reminders of their legacy behind.

It’s a beautiful city and one where the summer heat hits from April until September! La Mezquita is one place you have to visit.

It was an old mosque, which was converted into a cathedral following the Reconquista in 1236. It’s an impressive building and one place you can’t leave Córdoba without visiting!

As well as La Mezquita, the Roman Bridge, Plaza de la Corredera and the Patios Cordobeses are all places that you have to check out while you’re in the city.

Córdoba isn’t the biggest city, but it’s full of narrow streets and beauty regardless!

Day 5 Córdoba to Seville

From Córdoba, you’re heading to Seville, which isn’t the biggest drive of this Andalusia road trip itinerary at just over one hour and a half.

There isn’t an awful lot to see along the way, so my advice would be to get to Seville as early as you can to explore the city!

If you do want to break the drive up though, you can stop at Castillo Almodovar del Rio, which is not far from Córdoba. It’s a beautiful castle and worth exploring before you head to Seville.

Getting into Seville can be quite tricky as it is the main city in Andalucia and traffic can be terrible. It’s best to be prepared for this eventuality and factor it into your travel time.

Once you reach Seville, you want to park your car and start exploring the city! There are so many things to do in Seville, that you could easily spend 3 days in the city and not get bored.

Exploring Barrio Santa Cruz, which is the old town and home to Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, the famous bell tower, is a must!

I would spend at least a day there, so you get to make the most of your time in the city. If you don’t want to, that’s fine and you can continue onwards to Huelva instead.

Day 6 Seville

More than one day in Seville would be ideal, but as you’re doing a road trip compromises have to be made. You can still see a lot in a short time, but you will be in a slight rush to see as much as you can!

The first place you have to visit is Plaza de España. It is an incredible place which will blow you away. It was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and has remained to this day.

The buildings here are beautiful and you can spend most of your day checking out the old town, its cobbled streets and the charming city center!

Other places you have to check out include the Royal Alcazar and La Giralda, which is part of Seville Cathedral both of which are impressive buildings in their own right. It’s also a good idea to have a stroll along the river Guadalquivir, as the views are beautiful.

Seville is the birthplace of flamenco if you have some time it’s a good idea to check out a flamenco show. It’s a fascinating experience and one you won’t forget in a hurry!

Day 7 Seville to Huelva

The drive to Huelva is one of the shorter journeys on this Southern Spain road trip itinerary. It takes just over an hour to reach this city in the West of Andalucia.

If you want, you could even stray further and cross the border into Portugal and check out the Algarve!

Once you arrive in Huelva you will find a beautiful and interesting city. A lesser-known fact about the city is that Christopher Columbus lived there before he set sail on his voyage to America in 1492. La Rabida monastery, where he lived in Huelva, is somewhere to check out if you want to learn more.

Huelva also has a beach that you can check out. El Espigon is the place to go if you want to relax in the sun. You can even go kitesurfing there too!

A visit to Parque Nacional de Donana is a good idea if you want to step into nature and see some wildlife. The park is made up of marshes, lagoons, rivers and beaches, as well as flamingos, lynxes, deer and wild boars too. 

Day 8 Huelva to Cadiz

This is one of the longer drives on this Southern Spain itinerary, as it takes a few hours to reach Cadiz. To reach Cadiz, you’ll have to go back through Seville and then Jerez de la Frontera. You could stop at either one on the way if you wish.

Cadiz is reputed to be the oldest inhabited place in Europe, with remains dating back to the 8th century BC! With a history this long, it means there are plenty of things to do in the city, such as checking out the old town!

One of those things is Cadiz Cathedral, which is a beautiful baroque building. Even with only 24 hours in Cadiz, you will find lots of things to do. One of these things is La Caleta Beach, which offers a great view of the Castle of Santa Catalina and is within walking distance of the city centre.  

Another thing you can do is take a ferry to El Puerto de Santa Maria and discover some of the local sherry in what is known as the ‘Sherry Triangle.’

You can make a day trip to either Zahara de la Sierra or Setenil de las Bodegas if you have time. The latter is one of the white villages in Andalucia and is built into the surrounding cliffs, which makes it a fantastic location to check out!

Day 9 Cadiz to Gibraltar

Although Gibraltar is not strictly in Andalucia, it’s part of the UK, it’s still worth checking out on this Southern Spain road trip. It isn’t the longest drive to Gibraltar, but you can be stuck in the queue to get through immigration for a while.

This is because the UK isn’t part of the Schengen Zone and requires every car to stop and show passports!

It depends on the day and what time you get to the border as to how busy it will be. Once you’re in though, there is a lot to see and do in Gibraltar.

The main attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar, which protrudes from the Iberian Peninsula and dominates the landscape in Gibraltar. You can hike up the rock via the Mediterranean Steps, which is well worth doing as the views are spectacular on a sunny day.

You can also get the cable car to the top as well if you don’t fancy walking up.

The Old Town is also worth exploring. It’s a quirky place as the buildings are Mediterranean, yet the area is populated with British shops and pubs giving it a surreal feel!

It is also worth checking out Irish Town, which is one of the livelier parts of Gibraltar.

Day 10 Gibraltar to Malaga

The last leg of this Southern Spain road trip from Gibraltar to Malaga takes just under two hours. This doesn’t take into account getting over the border in Gibraltar, which could add time to your journey if it is busy. If you’re in a rush, it’s important to factor this in.

Once you have crossed the border, it is a straight run to Malaga via the Autopista del Sol. There are tolls along this route, which come to around €10 in total.

The drive to Malaga does offer several places to stop along the way on the Costa del Sol. You can stop at Estepona, which is a beachside town about 50 minutes from Gibraltar. You could stop at Marbella too, which is a bit further along and check out the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos in the city centre.

Perhaps a better place to stop would be Mijas, which is one of the many white villages in Andalucia. It’s a charming little town and would be a great place to stop for lunch before you reach Malaga.

You could head on to Ronda, which is well worth a visit. It’s a spectacular town and one you shouldn’t miss driving around Andalucia!

Depending on whether you spent some time in Malaga before you started the trip or not, I would recommend staying there for a day or two more to explore the city.

It’s a beautiful place and there’s a lot to do. It’s also an ideal place to relax after a strenuous trip!

How Much Does an Andalucia Road Trip Cost?

No matter where you go on a road trip, it’s going to cost money. From taking your own car or using a rental car, to fuel and food and drink, the costs add up over time and they can’t be avoided.

One of the good things about doing a road trip in Spain is that the country is one of the cheapest in Europe. Fuel is much cheaper than in other countries and you can get good deals on food too. Devising a list of road trip food ideas is a great way to drive down costs too!

If you’re doing the trip in a campervan, you won’t need to worry about accommodation. However, you should only do the trip in a campervan if you are four or more people. Otherwise, the cost of renting a campervan doesn’t work out compared to what you would be paying to stay in hostels.

Here’s a link to a fuel cost calculator, which should come in handy for your trip. Using the fuel price data from a Google search for “petrol prices Spain”, input the figure into the calculator and you’re set.

I got a quote of €1.22 per litre driving the distance in a car with average fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km. This led to a total of €88.52 for the trip. That is very reasonable considering the distance covered!

Even for one or two people that is a reasonable expense. Factor in the cost of renting a car a day, which is around €60, food and drink and any tours/activities you decide to do and the trip could come to around €300 per person.

For a trip of this size and the number of places, you will be seeing that is an excellent price! If you want a cost-effective holiday in Europe that will let you see many great places, a road trip around Andalucia is something you should consider!

Concluding Thoughts

An Andalucia road trip is the best way to see this beautiful part of Spain. Public transport in the region isn’t the best, so driving your car allows you to see all Andalucia has to offer.

Have you done a road trip in Andalucia? Did you do a similar itinerary to mine? Is there anything I have missed out?

Leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts!

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Looking For More Road Trips?

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Catalonia Road Trip – Check out some of the best cities and beaches in the country on this road trip!

Galicia Road Trip – Galicia is an often neglected part of the country, but if you want to visit somewhere that rivals Andalucia for great places to see, it should be on your list!

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